Last Thursday, ImageNation Cinema and the Film Society of Lincoln Center gave NYC the first East Coast look at award-winning film, Better Mus’ Come. Having played at Los Angeles’ Pan-African Film Festival just a few days before, it was only the second American screening of the movie, becoming known as the best film out of Jamaica since, The Harder They Come. The film is a fictionalized dramatization of the historical events, leading up to the Green Bay Massacre, where 5 Jamaica Labour Party supporters were ambushed and killed by the Jamaican Government. There are many reasons to go see this film, but here are 5:

1. The History Lesson: The Cold War is an event we all know from American History, but we rarely hear how this political war lead by America and the Soviet Union, effected the rest of the world. This film gives us an inside look at the very real impact this war had in Jamaica. Here is, Better Mus’ Come Director, Storm Saulter talking about why depicting this moment in history was important:

2. A Jamaican Community Represented: Don’t you hate when you go see a movie about a particular nationality or country and most of the actors (especially the main characters) aren’t even from there? (See Blood Diamond and Prince of Persia) Well you wont get that from, Better Mus’ Come:

3. The Hot Lead Actors: Sheldon Shepherd, who played Ricky, and Nicole Sky Grey, who played Kemala, are not only amazing actors, they were a pleasure to watch! Their on screen chemistry was intense. And whether they were smiling, screaming at, or kissing each other you felt it. (Sidebar to men-lovers everywhere: You will not be disappointed by Mr. Shepherd’s… attributes at all… Made me consider leaving Idris.)

4. The Authenticity: During the screening it was clear the audience was full of Caribbean born folks- who could relate to what they were seeing and hearing. Little things like Ricky lighting a gas lamp or him having to get water from the ocean– got huge responses. And you could tell it was because the audience recognized that experience. According to LargeUp.com’s Sherman Escoffery, this film gets a lot of other things right too:

5. Great Story and Great Cinematography: At the end of the day we all want to enjoy ourselves when we see a movie, and that involves getting the basics right: The story. The picture. Both those things are on point with, Better Mus’ Come.

Want to see this film? Will post showtimes as soon as they’re available!

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